l confirm it, and rejoice with thee.

SCENE IV.

MASKWELL _alone_.

MASK. This is prosperous indeed. Why let him find me out a villain,
settled in possession of a fair estate, and full fruition of my love,
I'll bear the railings of a losing gamester. But should he find me out
before! 'Tis dangerous to delay. Let me think. Should my lord proceed
to treat openly of my marriage with Cynthia, all must be discovered, and
Mellefont can be no longer blinded. It must not be; nay, should my lady
know it--ay, then were fine work indeed! Her fury would spare nothing,
though she involved herself in ruin. No, it must be by stratagem. I
must deceive Mellefont once more, and get my lord to consent to my
private management. He comes opportunely. Now will I, in my old way,
discover the whole and real truth of the matter to him, that he may not
suspect one word on't.

No mask like open truth to cover lies,
As to go naked is the best disguise.

SCENE V.

[_To him_] MELLEFONT.

MEL. O Maskwell, what hopes? I am confounded in a maze of thoughts,
each leading into one another, and all ending in perplexity. My uncle
will not see nor hear me.

MASK. No matter, sir, don't trouble your head: all's in my power.

MEL. How? For heaven's sake?

MASK. Little do you think that your aunt has kept her word. How the
devil she wrought my lord into this dotage, I know not; but he's gone to
Sir Paul about my marriage with Cynthia, and has appointed me his heir.

MEL. The devil he has! What's to be done?

MASK. I have it, it must be by stratagem; for it's in vain to make
application to him. I think I have that in my head that cannot fail.
Where's Cynthia?

MEL. In the garden.

MASK. Let us go and consult her: my life for yours, I cheat my lord.

SCENE VI.

LORD TOUCHWOOD, LADY TOUCHWOOD.

LADY TOUCH. Maskwell your heir, and marry Cynthia!

LORD TOUCH. I cannot do too much for so much merit.

LADY TOUCH. But this is a thing of too great moment to be so suddenly
resolved. Why Cynthia? Why must he be married? Is there not reward
enough in raising his low fortune, but he must mix his blood with mine,
and wed my niece? How know you that my brother will consent, or she?
Nay, he himself perhaps may have affections otherwhere.

LORD TOUCH. No, I am convinced he loves her.

LADY TOUCH. Maskwell love Cynthia? Impossible!

LORD TOUCH. I tell you he confessed it to me.

LADY TOUC